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They might be family members, co-workers, someone you met at a party or someone you haven't seen for years. They might -- though they may not admit it -- be hoping that someone, somewhere will at least ask them how they are.

It's not about feeling sorry for them. It's about appreciating that all of us, at any moment, could suddenly be alone and encounter circumstances we never expected.

Life's not always forgiving. Things occur beyond our control and suddenly we look around and say: "How did this happen?"

Some people on Christmas Day are using social media to at least extend a hand and an ear.

British comedian Sarah Millican, for example, created the hashtag #joinin, which people can use to listen and talk.

For anyone starting to worry about being alone/lonely on Christmas Day, I will be doing #joinin again on here. If you don't know what it is, it's a hashtag we use to connect all of those who could do with some company. Join us for #joinin.

@SarahMillican75 Hi Sarah I am on my own today as my husband is in intensive care and on life support in Austria. I am over here and visit him every day. He is improving but very slowly. Love to all today and merry Christmas #joinin

Just met a old man on the beach who said he was alone this Christmas and may not have a dinner. I didn’t say, but here alone too. Being alone is no longer just for the elderly. Sometimes it’s a part of life. #joininpic.twitter.com/rLe5XQFZUL